Member Biography

37th Parliament Members
at dissolution on April 19, 2005

Photo of MLA

MLA: Hon. Murray Coell 

Saanich North and the Islands


Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services

Elected: 1996, 2001

BRITISH COLUMBIA LIBERAL PARTY

Murray Coell was appointed Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services on Jan. 26, 2004. He previously served as Minister of Human Resources.

Mr. Coell was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Saanich North and the Islands and was re-elected in 2001.

Prior his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Coell served on Saanich Municipal council for 12 years, six of them as mayor. From 1989 to 1996, he also served as Chair for the Capital Regional District, the Saanich Police Board and the Capital Regional District Hospital Board, and as Deputy Chair for the Municipal Finance Authority.

Mr. Coell has worked as both a social worker, specializing in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and services for those with mental disabilities, and a small business owner. He has served as a volunteer for 10 years on the board of Silver Threads Meals on Wheels and for five years on the board of the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children.

He received his bachelor of arts in social welfare from the University of Victoria.